A Barnsley IT support company which helps keep hundreds of charities running smoothly is expanding.

Cultrix provides IT services and support to 400 clients, of which 150 are in the charity sector.  

The company has recently moved into a bigger space at its base at Kendray Business Centre and is adding two new apprentices to its eight-strong team.

Its development is being aided by Enterprising Barnsley, a programme which offers coaching and other support to help businesses to grow.

Cultrix's managing director Shaun Wilders said that, while its clients are spread across the country, the aim is now to attract more business from the surrounding area.

He said:  "This is a new chapter for the company in freshly revamped premises that are three times bigger than what we've had before. We know that our clients really appreciate the flexibility and personal service we provide, and we want to focus on offering this to more organisations and businesses in the local area."

Shaun launched his outfit with a former business partner in 2002, shortly after he graduated from the University of Bradford. Two years later he moved the operation from Bradford to the attic of his home in Barnsley town centre, before later setting up at the Kendray site. The company became Cultrix in 2007.         

Cultrix offers anything and everything associated with IT, including cloud computing, and prides itself on a down-to-earth approach to concerns and questions. 

Shaun said: "People who ring our helpdesk get straight through to a technician.  There is no waiting for hours for calls to be returned as clients are relying on you to ensure they can do their job. 

"We like to get to know our clients so that we can support them properly. Many have been with us since day one and all the business we've won has been through personal recommendations.  Someone once said they like us because we're human and don't hide behind machines, which I think sums up our approach.

"The two apprentices we're taking on, along with our two existing apprentices, are recruited as much for their attitude and personality as their IT skills."

Cultrix's charity sector clients include the Community Foundation Network, the Charity Retail Association and Age UK. All charities are charged a discounted rate for services and support. Commercial clients include letting agents and solicitors.

Enterprising Barnsley business coaches have helped Shaun to develop the business by providing help including leadership training and marketing.

Shaun said:  "Business can be lonely so it's been really useful to access support from Enterprising Barnsley.  My point of contact, business development manager John Heckingbottom, has been at the end of the phone with invaluable advice and that makes all the difference." 

The Enterprising Barnsley programme is supported financially by the European Union. The project has attracted £2,259,511 investment into Barnsley from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe's support for the region's economic development, through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.

For more information about Cultrix email itexperts@cultrix.co.uk, call 01226 736670 or visit www.cultrix.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

Attached picture shows Shaun Wilders in the new office. 

Media contact for Cultrix is Shaun Wilders on 01226 736670.

The Enterprising Barnsley programme is a partnership between Barnsley Development Agency (BDA) and Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC). 

The Enterprising Barnsley programme is part financed by the Yorkshire and Humber European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf